Ratcliffe tapped to replace Coats as US spy chief

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday he would nominate Representative John Ratcliffe, a Texas Republican who strongly defended him at a recent congressional hearing, to replace Dan Coats as the US spy chief. Mr Coats, the current US director of national intelligence (DNI) who has clashed with Mr Trump over assessments involving Russia, Iran and North Korea, will step down on Aug 15, the president said as he announced his decision on Twitter. "A former US Attorney, John will lead and inspire greatness for the Country he loves," Mr Trump said, thanking Mr Coats "for his great service to our Country" and saying that an acting director will be named shortly.